Motion Is According to the Figure.

1

A figure spherical, the motion’s so;2
Straight figures in a darting motion go:3
As several figures in small atoms be,
So several motions are, if we could see.
If atoms join, meet in another form,4                      5
Then motion alters as the figures turn,5
For if the bodies weighty are and great,6
Then motion’s slow, and goes upon less feet.7
Out of a shuttlecock a feather pull,
And flying strike it, as when it was full,                 10
The motion of it alters, which seems strange,8
When th’motion of the hand doth no ways change.9
Yet motion, matter,10 can new figures find,
And the substantial figures turn and wind.
Thus several figures several motions take,             15
And several motions several figures make.
But figure, matter, motion, all is one,
Can never11 separate, nor be alone.

  1. In 1653 this poem is called “Motion and Figure”
  2. the motion’s so;] hath Motion round, 1664; hath Motion round: 1668
  3. Straight figures in a darting motion go:] In streight ones is a darting Motion found; 1664; In straight ones, is a darting Motion found. 1668
  4. If atoms join, meet in another form,] When to the making of new Forms they go, 1664; When to the making of new Forms, they go, 1668
  5. turn,] do; 1664; do. 1668
  6. For if the bodies weighty are and great,] In Bodies great, and of much weightiness, 1664, 1668
  7. Then motion’s slow, and goes upon less feet.] Is Motion slow, and all his weight grows less: 1664; Is Motion slow, and all his Weight grows less: 1668
  8. of it alters, which seems strange,] alters which belongs to that, 1653
  9. When th’motion of the hand doth no ways change.] Although the Motion of the hand do not. 1653
  10. Yet motion, matter,] Motion and Matter 1664; Motion and Matter, 1668
  11. never] ne’er be 1664, 1668